Mathematics / Computer

Students will deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations, inequalities, and systems. Students will manipulate expressions to solve problems, analyze, create and graph linear functions, solve singular and systems of equations and inequalities using a variety of strategies, represent sequences, explore properties of exponents, create models for exponential growth and decay, explore two variable data and regression lines and represent various advanced functions using tables, graphs and equations. Students will utilize technology and other research tools to effectively apply information or appropriate mathematical tasks. Daily, students use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. Students learn in collaboration with others while sharing information, expertise, and ideas.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra or recommendation of Grade 8 math instructor

Grades 9 - 10

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

Students will learn the concepts of mathematical structure and work to develop the skills required in solving algebraic equations and transforming algebraic expressions in various ways. Students will analyze and apply different equations and formulas to help understand the mathematical structures of Algebra. The honors level of algebra is presented at a pace that challenges students to become strong problem solvers and critical thinkers. Students will be working with analyzing, creating, and graphing linear equations. Students will manipulate algebraic equations and expressions and have opportunities to use technology to enhance student learning. Students will multiply and divide expressions with exponents, use scientific notation, and use exponential growth and decay models. Students will also learn how to evaluate and approximate square roots, simplify radicals, solve a quadratic equation, and sketch the graph of a quadratic function and quadratic inequality. The students will utilize concepts in real-world problems and create their own tools to solve these types of problems. Students will use real-world digital and other research tools to access, evaluate, and effectively apply information appropriate for mathematical tasks.

Prerequisite: Recommendation of Grade 8 math instructor

Grade 9

Honors

Full year   1 Credit

Students will learn the concepts of plane geometry that will develop their ability to make sound judgments about spatial relationships and to develop habits of logical thinking. An intuitive and discovery approach is utilized which simplifies the presentation and facilitates understanding of Euclidean geometry by having students be active participants in the course. Geometer’s Sketchpad is used to enhance the theoretical study of geometry. The standard content of Euclidean geometry is presented at a pace for the average student in geometry. Areas covered include points, lines, planes, angles, constructions, congruence, polygons, similarity, circles, area, perimeter, and volume, with a focus placed on creating proofs.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II recommended

Grades 9 - 12

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

Students will learn to make sound judgments about special relationships and to develop habits of logical thinking. An intuitive and discovery approach is utilized which simplifies the presentation and facilitates the understanding of basic Euclidean geometry by having students be active participants in the course. Geometer’s Sketchpad is used to enhance the theoretical study of geometry. The honors level of geometry is presented at a pace that challenges students to become strong problem solvers and critical thinkers. Areas covered included points, lines, planes, angles, proofs, constructions, congruences, polygons, similarities, circles, areas, perimeters and volumes. Students will work independently and collaboratively to solve problems and accomplish goals. Students will communicate information clearly and effectively using a variety of tools/media in varied context for a variety of mathematical purposes.

Prerequisite: A minimum of an 80 in Honors Algebra II or 90 in Algebra II

Grades 9 - 12

Honors

Full year   1 Credit

Students will review and expand Algebra I and Geometry topics, strengthening algebraic skills with emphasis on mathematical techniques applied to problem solving abilities by learning problem solving strategies, logical reasoning skills, and modeling methods. Also, students will learn advanced algebra topics in preparation for an advanced math course. Students will use real-world digital and other research tools to access, evaluate, communicate, and effectively apply information appropriate for mathematical tasks.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

Students will review and expand Algebra I topics, and use a more focused approach to strengthen algebraic skills with emphasis on mathematical techniques applied to problem solving abilities by learning problem solving strategies. Students will use real-world digital and other research tools to access, evaluate, communicate, and effectively apply information appropriate for mathematical tasks, The course will focus closely on helping students to master the concepts of linear, quadratic, radical and rational functions.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

Students will review and expand Algebra I and Geometry topics and strengthen algebraic skills with emphasis on mathematical techniques applied to problem solving abilities by learning problem solving strategies, logical reasoning skills, and modeling methods. Also, students will learn advanced algebra topics in preparation for an advanced math course. Students will use real-world digital and other research tools to access, evaluate, communicate, and effectively apply information appropriate for mathematical tasks. Students will demonstrate innovation, flexibility, and adaptability in thinking patterns, work habits, and mathematical conditions.

Prerequisite: A minimum of an 85 in Algebra I and instructor recommendation

Grades 10 - 12

Honors

Full year   1 Credit

Students explore computer concepts, apply logic procedures, and implement programming procedures using the Java Programming language. Students will use these tools to develop their logical-thinking skills while designing smallscale computer programs. Course content includes program design and problem solving, control structures, functions, parameter passing, data structures, arrays, and file processing. Prerequisite: A minimum of an 85 in Algebra I or instructor recommendation 

With completion of this course the student may be eligible to earn 3 college credits through College Connections from QVCC; CSC* L106 Structured Programming

Grades 9 - 12

Academic

Semester II ONLY   .5 Credit, 3 College Credits

Students will learn to use advanced algebraic topics, analytic geometry, functions, and trigonometry with its applications to the physical world. Extensive work is done on rectangular coordinate systems with emphasis on problem solving. Completion of this course will ensure a sound foundation in all aspects of college mathematics. Students will communicate information clearly and effectively using a variety of tools/media in varied context for a variety of mathematical purposes.  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II and Geometry 

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

Honors Pre-Calculus weaves together previous study of Algebra, Geometry, and Mathematical functions into a preparatory course for Calculus. The course focuses on procedural fluency, deep conceptual understanding, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning and mastery of critical skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. Topics include fundamental concepts of Algebra, behaviors of functions and graphs, trigonometry, algebraic manipulation of complicated equations and systems, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, analytic trigonometry and an introduction to Calculus. This course also integrates traditional calculator technology with Desmos to provide hands-on activities to introduce and connect concepts for better mathematical modeling. Daily, students work with others as they use problem-solving strategies, complete investigations, gather evidence, critically analyze results, and communicate clear and effective arguments while justifying their thinking. Successful completion of this course ensures a sound foundation in all aspects of precalculus in preparation for those who will advance to AP Calculus.  

Prerequisite: A minimum of an 89 in Algebra II and Geometry instructor recommendation

Grades 11 - 12

Honors

Full year   1 Credit

Students will learn how to gather, analyze, interpret and draw conclusions from data. Students will learn statistical techniques for analyzing data, including skills with google/excel, word and other programs. Students will explore two-way tables and probability to draw conclusions about likelihood. They will also be designing studies and experiments to minimize bias and variability and learn about different types of distributions. Students will look at confidence intervals, proportions, means, and linear regressions. Preference given to seniors. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry and instructor recommendation

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Semester - Fall   .5 Credit

Statistics is the study of data – how to gather it, analyze it, interpret, and draw conclusions from it. In the first semester of AP Statistics, students will learn statistical techniques to analyze and interpret data, use probability and two-way tables to explore the ideas of independence and likelihood, learn to design studies and experiments that minimize bias and variability, and build the concept of a probability distribution to explore more complex ideas in probability that arise in data analysis. In the second semester, students will use probability distributions to build the idea of a sampling distribution as a measure of bias and variability in an estimate, then use sampling distributions to motivate an understanding of statistical inference – confidence intervals and hypothesis tests – including inference for proportions, means, categorical distributions using chi-squared distributions, and slopes of linear regression equations. Preference is given to seniors.  

Grade 11 - 12

AP

Full Year   1 Credit

 

This course is a rigorous and theoretical study of calculus. It follows the syllabus for the AP level of the advanced placement program. The problem solving and investigation components of this course are based upon the use of a graphing calculator with a table option. Regular and frequent access to a graphing calculator for class activities as well as homework is required. Students will demonstrate and value personal responsibility, character, and ethical behaviors to be successful in this college-level course. Students who enroll in the AP Calculus AB course should be aware that taking the AP Exam is expected. High achievement on the Advanced Placement Exam may qualify students for college credits and/or placement. The exam fee is paid for by the student and costs approximately $98.

Grade 12

AP

Full Year   1 HS Credit, 3 College Credits

This is an introductory course in computer programming using the Java programming language. This course follows the syllabus for the AP level of the advanced placement program. AP Computer Science A. Students will demonstrate and value personal responsibility, character, and ethical behaviors to be successful in this college-level course. Students who enroll in the AP Computer Science A course should be aware that taking the AP Exam is expected. High achievement on the Advanced Placement Exam may qualify students for college credits and/or placement. The exam fee is paid for by the student and costs approximately $98.

Prerequisite: Structured Programming. No exceptions

Grade 12

AP

Full Year   1 HS Credit, 3 College Credits

This course uses simple operations and applies them to real-life situations. Students will apply practical solutions to practical problems, which the student will probably encounter in his/her real world. Some topics include banking, types of credit, managing credit, paying for college, budgeting, investing, behavioral economics, taxes, and consumer skills.  

Prerequisite: Recommendation from previous math teacher. 

Grades 12

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

Students will further study arithmetic and trigonometric operations applied to manufacturing circumstances. The following geometric entities are studied in detail: the circle, regular and irregular polygons, the right triangle and oblique triangles. The application of angular arithmetic including the study of angle decimal conversion, the Pythagorean Theorem, Sine, Cosine, and Tangent functions, and the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines will be covered in great detail. This course is aligned with Manufacturing Math classes of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at Quinebaug Valley Community College. CC; MFG* 105 Manufacturing Math. (This class can only be taken online)

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Semester II   .5 HS Credit, 3 College Credits

Students will work with Microsoft Excel on an advanced level. Students will explore mathematical, logical, text and financial functions. Students will design spreadsheets from a programming perspective and create actual “user applications.” The course will conclude with an exploration into Macro programming and Visual Basic for Applications. With completion of this course the student may be eligible to earn 3 college credits through College Connections from QVCC; CSA* 135 Spreadsheet Applications.

Prerequisite: Computer Application Course, or a good working knowledge of Excel Spreadsheets 

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Semester I ONLY   .5 HS Credit, 3 College Credits

Using the Scratch programming language, you will become fully immersed into the process of designing and writing computer programs. Scratch is s visually based language so you will begin designing your own video games on the very first day. More importantly, you will be learning the fundamentals of computer programming which will help you greatly when you go on to higher level programming languages. By the end of the course, you will be able to design programs that include variable, loops, conditional operators and subroutines. This.5 credit course is an excellent starting point for anyone considering a career in the technology industry. 

Grades 8 - 12

Academic

Semester  .5 Credit